By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on flood resilience, sustainable water resources management, urban water sector reforms and sanitation to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday.
Utsev said the partnership would focus on three priority areas—strengthening flood resilience, accelerating Lagos’ attainment of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, and advancing sustainable urban water sector reforms to improve service delivery and attract investment.
He noted that flooding remains a major challenge in Lagos due to rapid urbanisation, climate change, rising sea levels, intense rainfall and the state’s coastal location. According to him, the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) identified Lagos among the 33 states at high risk of flooding, making proactive planning and stronger collaboration imperative.
The minister commended the Lagos State Government for ongoing efforts to mitigate flooding and assured that the Federal Government would support the state through integrated water resources management, improved drainage infrastructure, nature-based solutions, effective urban planning and stronger institutional coordination.
Utsev also welcomed Lagos State’s interest in participating in the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, describing it as a platform for improving water supply and sanitation through governance reforms, better service delivery and performance-based financing.
On sanitation, he praised the state’s efforts to improve hygiene while urging faster action towards achieving Open Defecation Free status, especially in underserved communities.
He further revealed that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation had developed the first draft of the National Water Compact to drive reforms in the country’s water sector through improved policy coordination, investment mobilisation and sustainable water resources management.
The minister also highlighted recent Federal Government initiatives, including the National Flood Intelligence Monitoring System and the Multi-Hazard Flood Early Warning System, aimed at improving flood forecasting, early response and coordination among stakeholders.
Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu appreciated the Federal Government’s support in addressing flood-related challenges and stressed the need for sustained collaboration to tackle the growing impact of climate change on Lagos.
The governor said the state had already developed a comprehensive strategy to achieve Open Defecation Free status and reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to strengthen sanitation, improve hygiene services, enhance flood management and promote sustainable water resources development.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to building a cleaner, safer and more climate-resilient Lagos while advancing sustainable water management and improved sanitation services across the country.
